South Denver Beer Fest Brings Craft Brews to Littleton

It's about time that South Denverites didn't have to commute for their beer. Thanks to the new South Denver Beer Fest, taking place outdoors on May 4-5 in Littleton's Clement Park, craft beer suburbanites can sample brews from more than 60 local breweries and judge which is the best of the fest.

"South Denver has a rich beer following; some of the best beer stores are located [there]," says festival founder Mike Burns. "There are not as many events in the suburbs as there are in the city, so there are a ton of beer fans that don't get to make it to some of the other festivals. We hope to facilitate more beer travel between the suburbs and the city."

What is unique about the South Denver Beer Fest? Well, first, there is more than beer. While beer is the focus, with Fate Brewing pouring some of their first brews among legends like Odell and Lefthand, distillates from Boulder-based Altitude Spirits and Longmont's Black Canyon Distillery, among others, will also be featured at this fest.

Beyond the booze, there is cheese and for the sweet end, chocolate. Although you have to purchase the VIP ticket, local cheese producers will be present, offering primo samples to pair with one of the 120 beers. Local chocolate makers will be sampling their products as well.

"Cheese is a natural pairing with beer, even more so than wine," says Burns, who was also behind last year's Chef N' Brew Festival. "You can get more flavor combinations with beer and cheese than with wine and cheese. Monks who brew beer have made cheese for centuries."

What else? A variety of local food vendors will be present including The Soup Gurus, Gigi's Cupcakes, Quiero Arepas, Good Food Denver, Baker Street Pretzels, and The Cookie Brewer (cookies made with beer). Brews Chews will also have some special spent grain dog treats for those with booze hounds in tow.

Tickets available here (attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food item to benefit local food bank Carpenters Cupboard).

- Sarah Haughey

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